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2004
Oldsmobile Alero

Starts at:
$18,485
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New 2004 Oldsmobile Alero
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe GX
    Starts at
    $18,485
    26 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GX
    Starts at
    $18,485
    26 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GL1
    Starts at
    $20,435
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GL1
    Starts at
    $20,435
    24 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 4-cyl
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GL2
    Starts at
    $21,985
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GL2
    Starts at
    $21,985
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GLS
    Starts at
    $23,085
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GLS
    Starts at
    $23,335
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero 2004 Oldsmobile Alero

Notable features

Coupe and sedan body styles
Manual or automatic transmission
Four-cylinder or V-6
FWD layout

The good & the bad

The good

Ride comfort
Performance with manual shift
Interior space

The bad

Imminent extinction of brand
Resale value
Side-impact crash-test rating

Expert 2004 Oldsmobile Alero review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Oldsmobile’s most popular model has been the compact front-wheel-drive Alero coupe and sedan. Both are offered with a four-cylinder or 3.4-liter V-6 engine and either a manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. The Alero shares its engines and basic design with the Pontiac Grand Am, but each model has considerably different styling.

There are no changes for the 2004 Alero, but it can now be equipped with XM Satellite Radio. Oldsmobile launched the Alero for the 1999 model year. Despite the ongoing phase-out of the Oldsmobile brand, the Alero will remain on sale through the 2004 model year.

Four Alero models are available: GX, GL1, GL2 and GLS. Alero rivals include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and the two-door Toyota Camry Solara.

Exterior
Styling has been one of the main points used by Oldsmobile to differentiate the Alero from Japanese-brand automobiles. Both the coupe and sedan share some design themes with Oldsmobile’s full-size Aurora, which has been discontinued. The Alero has more rounded fenders and quarter panels, as well as a low-nose/high rear-deck profile.

Both body styles ride a 107-inch wheelbase, measure 186.7 inches long overall, stretch 70.1 inches wide and stand 54.5 inches tall. They are available with 15- or 16-inch tires. The coupe models sport a rear spoiler.

Interior
ach body style has a five-passenger capacity and features front bucket seats. Because the coupe’s rear seat is narrower than the sedan’s, three people in the backseat is a tight squeeze. Trunk volume is 14.6 cubic feet, but the rear seatback folds to expand cargo capacity.

A CD player, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and power locks are standard in the base GX. The GL1 and GL2 add fog lamps, remote keyless entry, and power windows and. Topping the line is the GLS, which gets a six-way power driver’s seat and leather seating surfaces. XM Satellite Radio is available in all Alero models.

Under the Hood
A 140-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is standard in the GX and GL1. This engine teams with either a four-speed-automatic or optional five-speed-manual transmission. Only the automatic transmission is available with the 170-hp, 3.4-liter V-6, which is standard in the GL2 and GLS and optional in the GL1.

Safety
Traction control and daytime running lights are standard. Antilock brakes are standard only on GL2 and GLS.

Driving Impressions
The Alero is light on its feet and very easy to steer, but handling talents are closer to average. Calling the Alero average is a good way to describe this car — it’s a cut above in some areas but nothing special in others.

The four-cylinder engine delivers rather snappy performance, especially when teamed with the manual transmission. The Alero’s ride quality actually beats that of many cars on the road. Even the performance suspension in the GL2 model absorbs its fair share of bumps.

Space is ample in the coupe, and the slide-forward passenger seat helps pave the way to the rear, which has more room than many two-door models on the market. The four-cylinder engine growls a little, but not enough to be annoying.

2004 Oldsmobile Alero review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Oldsmobile’s most popular model has been the compact front-wheel-drive Alero coupe and sedan. Both are offered with a four-cylinder or 3.4-liter V-6 engine and either a manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. The Alero shares its engines and basic design with the Pontiac Grand Am, but each model has considerably different styling.

There are no changes for the 2004 Alero, but it can now be equipped with XM Satellite Radio. Oldsmobile launched the Alero for the 1999 model year. Despite the ongoing phase-out of the Oldsmobile brand, the Alero will remain on sale through the 2004 model year.

Four Alero models are available: GX, GL1, GL2 and GLS. Alero rivals include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and the two-door Toyota Camry Solara.

Exterior
Styling has been one of the main points used by Oldsmobile to differentiate the Alero from Japanese-brand automobiles. Both the coupe and sedan share some design themes with Oldsmobile’s full-size Aurora, which has been discontinued. The Alero has more rounded fenders and quarter panels, as well as a low-nose/high rear-deck profile.

Both body styles ride a 107-inch wheelbase, measure 186.7 inches long overall, stretch 70.1 inches wide and stand 54.5 inches tall. They are available with 15- or 16-inch tires. The coupe models sport a rear spoiler.

Interior
ach body style has a five-passenger capacity and features front bucket seats. Because the coupe’s rear seat is narrower than the sedan’s, three people in the backseat is a tight squeeze. Trunk volume is 14.6 cubic feet, but the rear seatback folds to expand cargo capacity.

A CD player, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and power locks are standard in the base GX. The GL1 and GL2 add fog lamps, remote keyless entry, and power windows and. Topping the line is the GLS, which gets a six-way power driver’s seat and leather seating surfaces. XM Satellite Radio is available in all Alero models.

Under the Hood
A 140-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is standard in the GX and GL1. This engine teams with either a four-speed-automatic or optional five-speed-manual transmission. Only the automatic transmission is available with the 170-hp, 3.4-liter V-6, which is standard in the GL2 and GLS and optional in the GL1.

Safety
Traction control and daytime running lights are standard. Antilock brakes are standard only on GL2 and GLS.

Driving Impressions
The Alero is light on its feet and very easy to steer, but handling talents are closer to average. Calling the Alero average is a good way to describe this car — it’s a cut above in some areas but nothing special in others.

The four-cylinder engine delivers rather snappy performance, especially when teamed with the manual transmission. The Alero’s ride quality actually beats that of many cars on the road. Even the performance suspension in the GL2 model absorbs its fair share of bumps.

Space is ample in the coupe, and the slide-forward passenger seat helps pave the way to the rear, which has more room than many two-door models on the market. The four-cylinder engine growls a little, but not enough to be annoying.

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 41 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.4
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Have 2004 Alero bought brand new the last one made

    I bought a Alero in 2004 the last one made still have it I use it for shows it's in mint condition I have 87.473miles never seen rain all original original paint the only 2 thing I replaced is a battery and front brakes never had any problems love the car
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great cars

    I've had this Alero almost 2 years, has never left me stranded, had the factory struts replaced and all other routine wear items, a word of caution, it's the 2.2 L 4 cylinder, everytime I've gotten an oil change at different places it shows at least a half Quart high, I had to get the front seal and timing chain cover gaskets replaced, maybe from age or because it had too much oil, if you only put 4 1/2 Quarts with a new filter the oil level will show the correct level for some reason, the book says 5 Quarts but that's too high.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Alero is fun to drive, feels like a sports car.

    I bought my Alero at a Dealership as a trade in last Summer, as is, checked it over and couldn't find anything wrong with it, it cost $2,500 so I got it, had all the fluids changed, even the power steering fluid because it had 194,000 Miles and I had no records, the Carfax report showed it had never been wrecked at all and just had new struts and tires installed, and regular oil changes, been great, only problem so far is the coolant pump started leaking, possibly from a pressure radiator flush service, which I thought to be no big deal, until I found out it's inside the engine and runs off the timing chain, cost $520 to replace and other shops asked for more, a 6 Hour job, anyway it rides smooth and handles curves like a champ, I have the 2.2 Ecotec 4 Cylinder, has a real steel timing chain that is unlikely to fail, I've seen 2 of these with 300,000 Miles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great everyday commuter, sharp looking.

    I was shopping for a moderate cost domestic small car, had a Pontiac 6000 Some years ago and it was good, I just bought this Alero today, was concerned about finding parts being Oldsmobile is no more but it shares the same engine with other GM cars so shouldn't be a issue.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I love my alero !

    I bought this car in 2005 I think and now its 2020 . I still use it occasionally. I always keep the oil and filter changed . I took good care of it . I have never had any major problems . I replaced the fuel pump once and it needed a tune up . That's it. I parked it in 2015 because I got an updated car but it still runs great I drive it once or twice a month to work a 16 mile drive daily. 181,000 miles .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Unreliable

    Fuel pump problems, ignition and security problems, unable to pinpoint cause and extremely unreliable. Stalled often and would not start and so many problems ,make,year, and model that it was a ongoing problem owning. Oldsmobile Alero 2004 will make me hesitant to buy any GM product in the future.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • complete package. 30mpg from a v6 and good interio

    solid 30mpg from a fast v6 and a nice interior without the ugly grand am exterior. 15 years without a glitch and the inerior has held up great
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I've owned it's like the Energizer bunny.

    I have driven my dependable Olds Alero sedan for 15 years and have been very happy with it. Yes it has had a few repairs over the years but it is still cheaper than car payments. It has only 125 thousand kilometers but is sadly starting to show some rust. Another complaint now that I'm a senior is that it becoming more difficult to get in and out of when I ride as a passenger. Other than that all is good with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great vehicle

    Bought used with only 72,000 miles on it. fifteen years old. it is a daily driver. there is absolutely NO rust and it is a powerful little thing. perfect size for a family. roomy back seat. not too cramped. 10/10 would recommend
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable I've owned

    This car was like the "energizer bunny". This car sat outside and no matter how cold, it always started instantly! This car made many members of our family happy. We first owned this car for years, then our youngest son drove it for a few years, and last our fourth child drove it. After fourteen years of setting outside the door locks started getting slow in the winter, so figured it was time for a newer vehicle (but it still started instantly!).
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 1.0005

    AFTER HAVING THE KEY FIXED ON A RECALL THE PROBLEM STILL RESIDES IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER GM REALLY FELL SHORT ON THIS RECALL AM GETTING A LAWYER ALL BECAUSE A OUNCE TRUSTED CAR MANUFSCTURER NOT SO ANYMORE
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 220,000 and still going strong

    I had to have a new car quick. Had never heard of it before. I love this car, bought it new and going on 15 yrs old. Weird things break, mostly plastic things. Only thing I've replaced is the ignition system and the gear shift handle 2x. The key snapped off in the truck and the horn died 4 yrs ago, but I can beat you from a dead stop to 60mph.? For a car I knew nothing about it sure turned out well. No rust, still looks good. Hoping it lasts another year.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?

The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero is available in 4 trim levels:

  • GL1 (2 styles)
  • GL2 (2 styles)
  • GLS (2 styles)
  • GX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero?

The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 37 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero reliable?

The 2004 Oldsmobile Alero has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Oldsmobile Alero owners.

Is the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Oldsmobile Alero. 90.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 41 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.5
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